New Delhi: From a modest 4,000 commuters to 15,000 passengers now -- the showcase Delhi Airport Metro Express has come a long way in terms of ridership since its opening over six months ago.

In the past six months, over 15 lakh people have travelled on the high-speed corridor that takes passengers from Connaught Place in the heart of Delhi to the swanky new Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport in flat 20 minutes.

The ridership on the 23-km link has been increasingly steadily since it was launched on February 23 with an initial 16-hour service which has now been increased to 18 hours andwill gradually become 20 hours.

"We are happy that Reliance Airport Metro Express is gaining popularity among both local Delhiites and the airport bound travellers that are reflected in the growth in ridership.”

When the services began in February, the ridership was a modest of 4,000 commuters and with the operational hours being increased the ridership had shown a gradual rise.

With all the six stations operational now and check-in systems in place at two stations, the Reliance Infra-led consortium that operates the line is confident that the ridership will increase further in the coming days.

In the last six months, 15 lakh commuters had experienced the safer, faster and reliable mode of transport being run at a punctuality rate of 99.9 percent, Jalan said.

Besides fliers, residents of the satellite city of Dwarka also opt for the Line to reach their offices and home faster.

Most of the Dwarka residents avail the monthly pass facility offered by the operator.

Check-in facilities without baggage will be operational soon at Dhaula Kuan station.